Influenza A surge strains New Zealand’s health system as Covid-era measures return
New Zealand is experiencing a later-than-usual spike in influenza A cases, with hospitals and emergency services reporting record demand and reinstating Covid-era precautions.
Influenza A cases have surged across New Zealand in August, stretching the health system to capacity. Hospitals have reported record-busy days, ambulance services activated emergency operations for the first time since the pandemic, and emergency departments nationwide are overwhelmed. Health providers are reintroducing masks and isolation measures as a response. The spike is arriving later than typical flu seasons, with influenza A identified as the most commonly detected virus, and rates doubling in a single week.
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Coverage across the news outlets we track, as at publication.
What outlets are saying
NZ Herald
Influenza A spike: Covid-era measures return to battle flu as doctors say system under pressure
Masks and isolation at general practices and hospitals as Influenza A cases surge.
Newstalk ZB
Influenza A spike: Covid-era measures return to battle flu as doctors say system under pressure
Covid-era measures are returning to battle a spike in Influenza A as the health system faces exceptional demand.
The Spinoff
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NZ Herald
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